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I would absolutely choose an epidural over a narcotic like Stadol. Narcotics can make you feel like crap and they can cross over to the baby, so I just don't want anything to do with them.

You are wanting to try for a VBAC? I would either go med-free or get an epidural, but I definetly wouldn't use pitocin for a VBAC. It raises the risks significantly.

I went completely med-free, and will next time as well. I used the tub and a doula to help me with pain management. My labor did not go as planned and there were some significant complications (not related to my lack of drugs though) but I was still able to deliver her vaginally and med-free.

I received a dose of Fentanyl after my epidural wore off twice. It was given through my epidural catheter, which I THINK keeps it from the baby? I am not actually sure of that, though. I didn't notice any negative effects on me or the baby; my son was very alert and we had no issues with breastfeeding. That's just my experience though. I'd do it again if I had to (but I'd hope to have a more successful epidural the next time, preferably).

I have heard horrible stories about Stadol, and I have never heard anyone say anything positive about it.

I tried to hold off on an epidural. I lasted 17 hours, then I finally got one. After another 2-3 hours I still had a small lip on my cervix so they gave me some Pitocin. After another couple of hours on the Pit, it was time to push. It took a little over half an hour to push him out.

His heart rate was fine the whole time, and he's a very alert an robust baby. So, I'm ok with how things played out during my labor.

I was absolutely against IV narcotics as they can cross the placenta and get to the baby. My epidural was amazing. I had LO vaginally with no intervention (pitocin, episiotomy, etc). I felt the pressure and the need to push, but no pain, and LO handled everything great, no scary heart rate drops or signs of distress.

With S I first tried Stadol and then epidural (she had already lost her heartbeat at this point so I wasn't worried about any side effects on her). The stadol was ok but the epidural is what gave me real relief. I definitely recommend skipping right to it if you don't want to be med free. It's way safer for baby and works better.

I went med free for both girls, I know every labour is different but for me it was all mind over matter. First labour was long and ended up needing pitocin, second was so much easier and faster. I was in total denial that I was even in active labour and when we finally got to the hospital I was just about ready to push.

I went med-free with my first and I'll try again with #2. It was all too quick for any drugs (I went from 5 to baby in under 2 hours) and I really wanted to make it without someone sticking a needle in my back.

I also got acupuncture the weeks leading up to the birth which is supposed to soften the cervix and make it easier to dilate. All my friends that got it too also had very quick and easy deliveries.

I'm with you, I'm pretty traumatized by my first birth, the only difference is I'm 19w pregnant again. I waited longer than we ever intended to get pg again because I never "forgot" like everyone says you do! I was in prodromal labor for 3 days and didn't sleep for literally 3 straight days by the time I was finally admitted. They gave me some fluids and something for the pain (I think a narcotic) when I was in triage because they thought I needed to rest before my body would actually kick start into labor. I remember it really relaxed me, but I still didn't even fall asleep. I ended up needing pitocin and got an epidural at 5cm, then came very close to a c-section because I stalled at 8 or 9cm. During her actual birth there were various issues, ranging from me spiking a fever to her HR dropping with every push. I managed to deliver vaginally after pushing 3 hours. I think she was fine, no issues after birth. I don't know if the complications were all due to my pain meds or not. My epi was a godsend even though it didn't work 100%. In the perfect world I'd love to go drug free but I honestly can't imagine the pain, so I'll probably get another epidural and stay hopeful that I can avoid a c-section.

I used gas for a few hours, and it was wonderful. If I hadn't stalled out and swelled up, it probably would have been enough of a help to get me through. I also had sterile water injections. I did get an epidural, but it was quite late and it didn't really do much.

I had an epidural with both labors. N was pretty much uncomplicated, however I did suffer a small spinal fluid leak.

When I was in labor with E, they have me two separate drugs to stop labor. Neither drug worked. I also suffered a much bigger spinal fluid leak. E was born early so it is unclear if the meds during birth caused any of his issues.

With all of this being said I will absolutely get an epidural with our next one. I can't handle the back labor.

I was hooked up to an IV because I tested positive for group b strep. I ended up using a epi. My only one big no was narcotics of any kind.

I had an epidural that failed twice and I feel like it contributed to my lack of progress. Things were moving quickly for me until I had the epi. Still have no clue what I want to do for my next birth.

@PixieStix: Well, they did the epidural between contractions, and it was nothing compared to the pain of those! They told me to expect something like a bee sting. I've never actually been stung by a bee so I can't verify how accurate that comparison is. I mean, it stung a bit, but the pain was short and I didn't really mind it since I knew it would end the pain of contractions. And I'm a person who has actually vomited and passed out when trying to get blood work done before, so I HATE needles. But it really wasn't bad.